Fun and play are the themes of our third project with Stockdales. We really wanted to do something different this time, having focussed previously on their residential homes, so we were excited when Emma Morris, their CEO, talked about another part of what they offer, Community projects. These schemes focus on learning life skills through play for both children and adults with learning disabilities.
Stockdales is one of our Partner Charities, based in Sale, Greater Manchester. They support children and adults with significant learning disabilities and other complex health needs. Their focus on lifelong support means that some of the people who spend time at Stockdales will do so as children going to “Stockies Juniors” a social club for 5 – 16 year olds, and then move onto life skills and social sessions as adults. Emma told us:
Our Community Services support over 150 people through activity sessions, days out, and clubs for children and adults. There is a strong focus on learning, social time and being as independent as possible. Our services are also an invaluable lifeline to families, offering some time out, which is always appreciated.
This year’s grant from the Foundation, was for some much needed equipment to encourage people to learn through play. We have also been able to make better use of the outside space with some smart, sustainable outdoor furniture.
Those with learning disabilities and their families can use the equipment which excites the senses, improves communication and creates a feeling of calm. Unfortunately, the cost of these special pieces of kit puts them outside the reach of many families The work we do in the community offers an oasis in which to play, to connect with others and be settled and happy. The equipment can transform play and social time for both the children and adults we are proud to work alongside.
From calming cocoons, piano sound pads, Nordic tactile disks, giant sensory colour bubble tubes to a jumbo water channelling chute to name just a few – there are options for indoor and outdoor play across all seasons.’
Emma continued: ‘We were able to use the garden furniture for late summer picnics, this year. The sensory equipment has already been a huge hit across our life skills sessions and social clubs for children and adults, offering tranquillity or just to experience the excitement of light and sound.
Over the coming weeks and months, we will be integrating the new equipment into our social clubs and life skills sessions – they will be used for fun and timeout. We are hoping to get a last few bright October days in the garden, using the furniture. It will stay in good order for years to come; splinter free and sturdy.’
We often take play for granted. For many of us it is a natural part of our childhoods. It is wonderful that at Stockdales they are supporting people of all ages, with learning disabilities, to be able to play and encouraging them to use their play to learn new skills. Fingers crossed for some more bright days this autumn and beyond for Emma and her team so they can have a couple more picnics. Stockdales is a great charity and we are pleased that we are able to support them over the long term.
